Accident Summary
An airline transport pilot was conducting a landing at a remote airport with a load of cargo and mail. The runway surface was covered by packed snow and ice. The pilot elected to land with a 20-knot quartering tailwind to avoid needing to turn around on the runway in an area of snow and ice. The ramp area of the airport was located at the departure end of the runway.
Accident Sequence
After touchdown, the runway surface and the end of the runway became obscured by blowing snow, which restricted visibility to 400 to 500 feet. The pilot reported applying the brakes, but the airplane began skidding on the ice. The aircraft continued off the departure end of the runway.
Damage
The right main landing gear was sheared off during the excursion. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The left wing structure was wrinkled, and fuel was observed seeping from the left wing fuel tank.
No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.